RAMS Software Upgrade and WRIP Transition Stability Support

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Simplified Acquisitions intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with PAJLS Electronics, Inc., using procedures in FAR 6 and 13 procedures. The NWS, National Logistics Support Center,(NLSC)CCX2, has a requirement to purchase ROAMS Software upgrade and WRIP Transition stability support. The original RAMS system has become antiquated and difficult to maintain operational. The original RAMS was developed by INH, Inc. of Benbrook, TX. That company has stopped doing business due to the retirement of the owner. The original software has been reconfigured onto a new equipment platform to meet NWS requirements. The original software has been reconfigured onto a new equipment platform to meet NWS requirements. The only available expertise of the RAMS resides with PAJLS, Inc. through the move of a principal designer of the RAMS. PAJLS is the only vendor who has the intimate knowledge and understanding required to upgrade, manage and maintain the system. The RAMS system is slated to be replaced by WRIP. The software upgrades are necessary to ensure continued mission capability until WRIP is deployed, and a smooth uninterrupted mission capable transition. The ROAMS units will be used to populated new radio transmitters being purchased separately to upgrade the NOAA Weather Radio network. These monitor units must be the same as the 700+ units already in use in the network. Each ROAMS must interface to the ROAMS Automated Management System and be compatible with all existing maintenance, training and support documentation. The original ROAMS units were designed and manufactured by INH, Inc. of Benbrook, TX. The expertise for manufacturing these devices has moved from IHN to PAJLS through the move of a principal employee. PAJLS is the only vendor who has the knowledge, the manufacturing drawings, and the knowledge to produce and test additional ROAMS units. Items Needed: Remote Off-Air Monitoring System (ROAMS) for NOAA Weather Radio, individually boxed, with primary power pack and cable connector, (100 each). ROAMS Delivery including shipping - 120 Days ARO. Developing data suitable for full and open competition is not reasonable or cost effective as this equipment is planned for replacement by the next generation system. Current efforts for the Weather Radio Improvement Project (WRIP), provides for the eventual elimination of current ROAMS hardware with functional equivalent capability. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 USC 253 (1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 541512, $23.0 million small business size. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing, and must contain material in sufficient detail to all NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the foregoing requirements. Responses must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, warranties, and/or other information that demonstrates that the quote meets all of the foregoing requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to grace.e.carter-tyer@noaa.gov by August 2, 2011. Award will be made using FAR 13, Simplified acquisition procedures, current through FAC 2005-53. The determination to compete or not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.